Richmond approves cost‑sharing agreement with Macomb County to repave 32 Mile Road

The Richmond City Council on May 19 approved a cost‑sharing agreement with the Macomb County Department of Roads to repave and install passing relief lanes on the county portion of 32 Mile Road from the CN railroad crossing to the county line.

The council said the project will use Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) small‑urban funding available to the city — roughly $380,000 — and requires a local match. The city’s share was estimated at $29,785 and was described as a 50% split of the required local match with the county.

City staff told the council the county is the Act 51 agency for this project and had made the application on the partnership’s behalf. The work is expected to take place in the summer of 2026. Council discussion noted the stretch is outside the city’s jurisdiction and that the county and railroad retain responsibility for the roadbed and the crossing. Officials said the improvements, including passing relief lanes and widened approaches at older commercial driveways, should improve traffic flow and safety for vehicles entering and leaving local businesses.

A motion to approve the cost‑sharing agreement was made, supported and carried. The motion text authorized the city to participate using Richmond’s small‑urban funds with the estimated $29,785 local match to be funded from the major street fund.

Council discussion included the limits of city responsibility and the roles of the county and railroads in maintaining the corridor. Staff clarified that ditch enclosure and other major drainage work were not part of this agreement and would be a separate, more costly undertaking outside the city’s current funding.

Next steps are execution of the intergovernmental cost‑sharing agreement and coordination with Macomb County to schedule the 2026 construction. The council did not specify a contract award or contractor at the meeting.